Open carry and level 3 holsters

This is a discussion on Open carry and level 3 holsters within the Open Carry Issues & Discussions forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Sometimes when I OC I will use a safariland level 3 holster kinda like this one
It seems like the (few) people who notice just ...

Open carry and level 3 holsters

Sometimes when I OC I will use a safariland level 3 holster kinda like this one

It seems like the (few) people who notice just assume I'm an LEO because of the holster type. Granted I have to wear a shirt with buttons (polo or button up) and at least khakis every day for work so the attire kinda goes with it. I have never and will never falsely claim or represent myself to be an LEO.

What got me thinking is one time I had to turn down an LEO discount because she apparently just assumed I was one.

I know people will ask why I choose to use such a holster so here is my answer: because unless you know how to operate the holster... You aren't getting it out without at least 25-30 seconds to figure it out. And my biggest concern with OC is a gun grab.

Also, I can have my weapon out and aimed in easily less than 2 seconds 100% of the time. I can have it out in under 1sec about 95% of the time.

Another benefit of the sheeple assuming I'm LEO means they don't freak out over the sight of a gun.

My thoughts are you should carry in whatever manner you choose. That isn't the manner I'd choose, but then OC isn't exactly endorsed here in FL. I see "gun grabs" as a highly inflated issue. Yep, can happen, so do lightning strikes and much more commonly.

Retired USAF E-8. Curmudgeon at large.Lighten up and enjoy life because:Paranoia strikes deep, into your life it will creep. It starts when you're always afraid... Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth

With open carry in the public grabs can always be a potential issue, so if you are more comfortable with this set up I say you are good to go. I had two gun grap attempts happen to me as a uniformed officer when I was a LEO. Both were not pleasant experiences.......and even more unpleasant for the dirt bags.

Sometimes when I OC I will use a safariland level 3 holster kinda like this one

It seems like the (few) people who notice just assume I'm an LEO because of the holster type. Granted I have to wear a shirt with buttons (polo or button up) and at least khakis every day for work so the attire kinda goes with it. I have never and will never falsely claim or represent myself to be an LEO

What got me thinking is one time I had to turn down an LEO discount because she apparently just assumed I was one.

I know people will ask why I choose to use such a holster so here is my answer: because unless you know how to operate the holster... You aren't getting it out without at least 25-30 seconds to figure it out. And my biggest concern with OC is a gun grab.

Also, I can have my weapon out and aimed in easily less than 2 seconds 100% of the time. I can have it out in under 1sec about 95% of the time.

Another benefit of the sheeple assuming I'm LEO means they don't freak out over the sight of a gun.

I have a Blackhawk Serpa for my M9 when I OC it. It's 'only' a level 2 retention holster but I really like it. Sure, it's not leather but it definitely is secure. Even trying to emulate a gun grab from a BG knowing how to release the gun, it is difficult to do (in a good way). Make no mistake, it's very easy to draw from yourself.

I have Safarland duty holsters (I'm NOT LEO) for all my pistols. I have level IV for my Glocks G29SF and G20SF (don't have to use all of the locks) and level 3 for my other pistols all of whuch have the optional Sentry locks installed. I can then decide based on my surroundings what level of protection I feel comfortable with. I did modify them with the optional belt slide that provides a high ride while allowing a bit of forward cant. I personally feel more comfortable with a level of retention I can control. I do own Serpas but seldom use these. Even though the Serpa has an almost grab proof paddle with a hook, I prefer the holster be retained by my belt.

I think it's a fine decision. Ultimately as the carrier we're responsible for our firearms being secure. My holster for my OC choice has a single point retention button, and I find this a simple compromise. It's in a perfectly natural place to depress it and draw with your index finger being along the frame rail. It does mean it's a bit more intuitive for a gun grabber to hit, even accidently, but realistically in the highly unlikely case it happens, it will still be enough to buy me time to react physically.

As long as you feel comfortable and skilled in drawing with that, then it's a great solution :)